Investigating the displacement of radio-active sources during gold-198 grain brachytherapy for hospitalized oral cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to investigate status of displacement of gold-198 ( 198 Au) grains in patients with oral cancers as well as factors and countermeasures for the displacement of 198 Au grains. Material and methods The present study included 34 patients with oral cancers, who were exclusively treated with 198 Au grain brachytherapy between 2013 and 2019. Timing and duration of the 198 Au grain displacement from the oral cavity and reduction in radiation dose were estimated. Location of the displaced grain was classified as either inside or outside of gross tumor volume. Number and location of the displacement of 198 Au grains, primary lesion, and growth type were evaluated. Results Of the 34 patients included in this study, 198 Au grains were displaced in 4 patients (11.8%) during hospitalization. A total of 5 grains (1.4%) were displaced out of an overall count of 367 grains implanted in these 34 patients. Of the four patients who experienced displacement of 198 Au grains, three had tongue cancer, and one had lip cancer. All four patients whose grains were displaced had superficial lesions. Conclusions When performing brachytherapy with 198 Au grains for superficial lesions on the tongue or lips, care should be taken to avoid grain displacement.

Subjective and objective assessments of sweet, umami, and bitter tastes after brachytherapy for patients with tongue cancer

“…In the case of EBRT, the region other than the tongue is also irradiated, including the effects of taste disorders secondary to dry mouth caused by parotid or submandibular gland damage and taste disorders caused by chemotherapy. Conversely, the brachytherapy (BRT) performed for patients with tongue cancer is primarily for T1 and T2 patients, chemotherapy is rarely used in combination, and radiation is delivered locally 11–14 . Therefore, BRT patients are a good target for studying the effects of radiation only on the taste cells of the tongue.…”

“…Conversely, the brachytherapy (BRT) performed for patients with tongue cancer is primarily for T1 and T2 patients, chemotherapy is rarely used in combination, and radiation is delivered locally. [11][12][13][14] Therefore, BRT patients are a good target for studying the effects of radiation only on the taste cells of the tongue.…”